3 Simple Ways to
Share What You Make

With Instructables you can share what you make with the world — and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.

PhotosPhotos

Share one or more photos of a project, recipe, or whatever you've made, quickly and easily.

Step by StepStep-By-Step

Share your step-by-step photos with text instructions of what you made so others can do it too!

VideoVideo

Share your how-to video. You'll need your embed code from a video site such as YouTube.

Chapgun, The Chapstick Pop Gun

Chapgun, The Chapstick Pop Gun
This is an old trick I learned a long time ago. I thought everyone knew about it, but when I show it to someone, they're usually fascinated by it. I'm sure many of you will know it, but to those who don't, this is right up there with the pea shooter, spitwad, and paper footballs. It is still always entertaining to show others how to make one since it is so simple, then pop them when they least expect it and watch them jump.
No tools are required. All you need is a used up chapstick tube with the cap.



For more cool projects, check out:
www.danielbauen.com
www.Engineerable.com

 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up
 

Step 1Making the Chapgun

Making the Chapgun
«
  • chapgun-instr-chapstick.jpg
  • chapgun-instr-shuttle.jpg
  • chapgun-instr-pry.jpg
  • chapgun-instr-pull-out.jpg
  • chapgun-instr-pop.jpg
1. Grab a regular tube of chapstick, or lipbalm.

2. Turn the adjustment wheel until the shuttle is almost near the top. Don't go too far or it will disconnect from the lead screw on the inside. If there is any stuff left on the inside, knock it out. A little is fine, because it lubricates the sliding shuttle, and smells good.

3. Pry off the adjustment wheel. You can use just your hands. You can also use your nail to help pry the wheel away from the body. If prying is successful, move to step 4, otherwise grab a thin object, like a knife and use it to pry the cap off.

4. Pull the adjustment wheel all the way out until it comes to a stop. Know you're ready to pop a cap.

5. Hold the body of the chapstick tube, aim, and slam the adjustment wheel back into the body using your other hand to fire. Make sure you push straight, otherwise the lead screw will bend.

6. This is a generally harmless weapon, but like all weapons, be careful with it. Do not aim at anyones face, because it can hurt or worse do damage to their eyes.

7. An added improvement is to put a drop of superglue in the hole where the lead screw screws into the shuttle. This will prevent the lead screw from backing out, and falling out.
« Previous StepDownload PDFView All StepsNext Step »
8 comments
Jan 19, 2011. 8:57 AMPerfectPantaloons says:
it enhances the effect... i thought you edited this for it to look like it was going fast, but i guess you didn't... COOL
Apr 11, 2010. 10:36 AMseabananers says:
it says how to make this in the big book of boy stuff by bart king
Sep 6, 2009. 10:07 AMstickeater says:
try drilling a hole on the cap and glueing a pen tube on it so it can throw spit wads.just remember to glue the cap on
Jul 22, 2009. 1:41 PMGeneral D3 says:
it still looks awesome.
Apr 23, 2009. 11:29 PMDerin says:
omg the girl is doomed
Apr 12, 2009. 3:57 PMsoftballchicky#7 says:
Ha! lolzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
Jan 11, 2009. 12:55 PMOatsnHoney says:
im am so making one of these
Aug 1, 2008. 7:31 PMdombeef says:
wow!!

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

All Steps Viewing
View all steps of an Instructable on the same page when you're a Pro Member.

Upgrade to Pro today!
22
Followers
17
Author:engineerable
Daniel Bauen breathes new life into objects that have met their untimely demise in the junk pile.